Excess mortality

Understanding Excess Mortality: A Vital Tool for Public Health

Imagine a graph where the number of deaths over time is plotted like waves on the ocean. Sometimes these waves rise higher than usual, and that’s what we call excess mortality. It’s a term used in epidemiology to describe an increase in the number of deaths during a specific period compared to what would be expected under normal circumstances.

The Harvesting Effect: A Natural Phenomenon?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. After a period of excess mortality, there often follows a compensatory phase known as ‘harvesting.’ This is like nature’s way of balancing the scales, where fewer deaths than expected occur because some deaths are simply delayed or displaced to earlier times. It’s almost as if the future has been pushed into the present.

Excess Mortality: A Broad Spectrum

But what causes these waves of excess mortality? Heatwaves, cold spells, epidemics, and pandemics are just a few of the combined factors that can lead to such increases. During heatwaves, for instance, older adults and those with pre-existing conditions often find themselves in the crosshairs, but interestingly, subsequent mortality rates may decrease due to this harvesting effect.

Continued Excess Deaths: A Persistent Issue

Despite vaccination efforts, research has shown that excess deaths have remained high since 2020. Insurers are linking these continued deaths to the damaging effects of COVID-19 on the population. It’s a stark reminder of how much this pandemic continues to impact our health and mortality rates.

Monitoring Excess Mortality: A Global Effort

To keep track of these fluctuations, institutions like Eurostat and the Human Mortality Database provide weekly data on excess mortality. EuroMOMO monitors mortality across European countries to detect and measure any excess deaths related to public health threats. The study centre at the Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen publishes a weekly situation report and regular scientific articles, with periods of high excess mortality also noted in the United States.

Excess mortality is not just a statistic; it’s a call to action. It reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of public health measures in protecting our communities. As we navigate through these challenging times, understanding and monitoring excess mortality can help us better prepare for future crises.

In conclusion, excess mortality is a critical tool that helps us understand the impact of various factors on public health. By keeping an eye on these fluctuations, we can work towards creating more resilient societies that are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges. After all, every life lost is a tragedy, and every effort counts in preventing such losses.